The Special Court Martial (SCM) convened by the Acting GOC 7 Division, Maiduguri, who is also the Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Brig. Gen. Ugochukwu Unachukwu has sentenced two Senior Non-commissioned Officers and two Non-Commision Officers for arms/ammunition racketeering, and aiding and abetting the enemy.
A statement by Lt. Col. Haruna Mohammed Sani, the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations of 7 Division on Tuesday in Maiduguri, said the sentences were pronounced during the proceeding at Headquarters Theatre Command Officers’ Mess in Maiduguri.
“The President SCM Brig. Gen. Mohammed Abdullahi stated that the Court-Martial convicted Sgt. Rapheal Ameh, Sgt. Ejiga Musa, and LCpl Patrick Ocheje to life imprisonment while Cpl. Omitoye Rufus was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to several counts charges ranging from theft, unlawful dealing in ammunition, offence in relation to Service Property as well as aiding the enemy which are all punishable under the relevant sections of the Armed Forces Act (AFA) Law of Federation of Nigeria (LFN) CAP A20 2004 and other extant laws.
“In the case of Sgt Ameh Raphael, documentary evidence admitted before the Court revealed that as an Armourer with 7 Division Garrison, the SNCO conspired with late LCpl Ogbogo Isaac to pilfer ammunition from the Division arms store.
“It was further revealed that he collaborated with one Inspector Francis Ajayi and Francis Manasseh, all of the 30 Police Mobile Force (PMF) to conceal arms in bags of beans and smuggled them to Enugu and Ebonyi states for use by criminals. It was also revealed that Sgt Ameh received the proceeds of this illicit trade through over 100 bank transactions between July 2022 and June 2024.
“For Sgt Ejiga Musa, while serving as 195 Battalion main armourer stole and collaborated with one LCpl Patrick Ochoje and also Inspector Francis Manasseh of 30 PMF to sell AK 47 rifle and large quantity of ammunition where records showed he collected the sum of over ₦500,000. Sgt Ejiga met his waterloo when he attempted to sell ammunition to Inspector Francis Ajayi also of 30 PMF,” the statement added.
It also noted that Cpl. Omitoye Rufus was also convicted for selling 40 rounds of 7.62mm special to one Inspector Enoch Nwokolobia, while In the case of LCpl Patrick Ocheje, when he was deployed at Forward Operating Base Molai, he was also persuaded by Inspector Francis Manasseh to pilfer ammunition to be sold to militias during communal crisis.
According to the statement, investigation further revealed that LCpl Patrick received 20 rounds of PKT ammunition from Sgt Ejiga Musa of 195 Bn (M) for sale to terrorists’ groups in collaboration with Inspector Francis Ajayi. The soldier was also found guilty for stealing an AK 47 rifle belonging to his comrade.
“The court held that illicit trade directly endangers troops, imperil military operations and national security therefore amounting to Aiding the Enemy.
The Court President, Brig. Gen. Abdullahi asserted that the activities of these bad eggs personnel are not only a violation of the law but a betrayal of the trust, discipline and honor expected of troops in the theatre.
He noted that the Nigerian Army (NA) maintains zero tolerance for gross misconduct, fraudulent practices and unprofessional practices. Such acts erode discipline, undermine morale and bring the service into disrepute.
“The NA’s commitment to accountability and justice is evident in its investigations into alleged misconduct and its efforts to promote a culture of professionalism through reward and punishment while fostering better relationships with the public.
“The President also reiterated the NA’s posture on zero tolerance for selling of ammunition to adversaries or anybody in whatever guise or form,” the statement stressed.
